Disclaimer: I don't own HOTD they are the rightful property of Shouji Sato and Daisuke Sato.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Bold Takashi narrating
*Communication through phones and other devices*
Act 1 Remembrance of the Dead
You know when I look back at my life I can say it has been one hell of a ride I would never forget. Like a roller coaster, that's the best description for it. It was filled with so many ups and downs, crazy turns and going through many loops. Yeah that was my life a painful ride which it was blessed by both heaven and hell. You might be confused with the last part I guess it will be better if I start from the beginning see if you can understand what I mean. The story of my life that with everything I've been through I don't regret it a bit because I came to love what it was brought on to me. No second thoughts, or wishing for something better no I was perfectly fine with what I have, really I did. But enough of that and let met get to the story already it's been a while, from the beginning. I will try to skip some details but then again it will be better if I don't leave any details behind, everything is important.
First of all my name is Komuro Takashi and I'm seventeen sophomore student at Fujimi Academy. I am your average teenager and-hmm...scratch that I'm anything but average. You see when I was six my life went to the worst from having a loving family a mother and a father who I love very much. I was that young when the wheel of fate was turning against me and tragedy knocked on my door. My parents had an accident, their vehicle crashed against a heavy truck while passing through the highway that goes to Tokonosu on a rainy night. Just barely out of diapers I became an orphan and no matter how much I cried it didn't changed a thing they were gone and that I managed to survive by some crazy miracle. Or maybe fate has something big plan for me and I actually believe it to be true like it was all part of a plan to forge a new path in my life.
My days in the orphanage were short because, just a month after the accident I was adopted. The person who adopted me and took me under his wing I will never forget him, I asked myself if I was lucky or doom to have someone like him. I'm still wondering to this day if I'm damned after all and my life has been a curse brought down to me by cruel fate. The man who became my adoptive father is named Higareshi Gen and my first thoughts of him were this guy has never smile in his entire life, he was always so serious. He probably didn't know the meaning of the word smile and maybe he didn't know the meaning of the word laugh either. Gen was strict, cordial, abusive and cold yep he was a nightmare to some but to me he became my role model and not just my father but something else. I had no idea his true nature what he was the truth shocked me and even to this day I can't get over the shock.
Shortly after I became his adoptive son Gen revealed to me he was the head of a powerful shinobi clan. Yep you heard me right, not pulling your leg or saying bullshit. At first I thought he was joking but hell no a serious guy like him would never say a joke, the guy doesn't even know the meaning of the word seriously. His clan is named the white dragons of heaven they protect the country from any kind of threat, they were like the police or the SDF who protected Japan from the shadows in secrecy. Gen also told me the reason why he adopted me and took me as his own because he saw I have potential to become the best shinobi in his clan. I couldn't believe it all of this felt like it some kind of fuck up dream. I lost my family, I get adopted by some crazy middle age dude who claims to be the head of a shinobi clan and he wants me to join his clan as a shinobi that specializes in assassination. You got to be fucking kidding me.
What other choice do I have? If I didn't join him he was either going to send me back to the orphanage or probably send me back on a body bag Gen was deadly serious. I didn't laugh when he told me he wanted to train and teach me everything he knows in the shinobi arts. With hesitation in my heart I silently gave him a nod that I will agree to become his apprentice and as of that day my whole life change forever. My shinobi training for all that was sacred and pure it was definitely a living hell, worst experience ever. There was a lot of pain, grief, tears were shed I have never been put through so much. But as the years went by I suddenly realized the difference as I resume my training. I was becoming stronger a lot quicker than I thought and soon I was able to compete in the same level as my brother and sister clansmen.
Before I realized I have climbed my way into the ranks of the white dragons of heaven. I have become among the top tree of the strongest of the clan. I was second next to Gen as clan head and I still couldn't believe it I was that good even if I trained like I was sent to hell and back. With the rapid progress of my training Gen didn't looked proud of me but he did told me he was proud I kept forgetting he doesn't know how to smile. Soon I started doing missions for the clan assassination missions to be exact I had my first kill when I was eight I can still remember the blood in my hands. I became a killing tool for my clan and to aid the Japanese government because all of my targets were cold blooded killers and drug dealers. Therefore I had no regret taking their lives they were evil, parasites of the world that have to be taken out.
Now that was the hell part of my life, now for the heaven side. I know what you're thinking how can my life have a good side with all the shit I put up with since I was a kid. The answer was simple outside of my life as a shinobi as a civilian I met three wonderful people that became very important to me. My existence was complete when I met them and it was worth to let them in my life. I had no regret though there was a small problem that became a dilemma in my civilian life. That I have come to love them, you heard right. I have fallen in love with these three wonderful ladies. They have grown so close to me and realize I couldn't live without them, I needed them. To go back to the past where I was a high school student in Fujimi this is where the story of my life takes an even interesting turn. Where I was have to through hell once more but on a different scare, here goes nothing...
(Location: Fujimi Academy urban district Tokonosu city Japan)
Miyamoto Rei age seventeen sophomore was my first love we have known each other since kinder garden. We knew each other that well and we started dating when we reached our freshmen year in the Academy. It was steady relationship with you bumps on the road but I never realized it will become so complicated that I won't be able to do a damn thing to prevent to what she did to me. And to think I really believed her when she made me make that pinky promise about getting marry when we we're kids. Igou Hisashi was a close friend since junior high we've been inseparable because we always ended up in the same class. Soon after what Rei did to me it was hard for me to look at him the same way.
Takashi walked the crowded hallways of the high school with in deep thought his eyes hiding his depression. It wasn't that long since Rei dumped him which felt like she has stabbed him in his heart. The girl had the guts to actually leave him for his best friend which it was an unforgivable move to make. He would've understand if it was with another boy but him, someone who can be close to him to be his brother. It was treachery but he knew he couldn't stay angry at him because knowing the Miyamoto she was the one that made the first move on the teen. He gave a sigh arriving at the classroom of 2B his home room where it was already filled with students. Komuro took his seat not bothering looking at any of them while he could tell someone else was watching him. His brown eyes gazed at the sight of pink hair not too far from his seat a girl with pig tails and yellow eyes who was giving him an annoyed expression that made him smiled.
The girl looking like she was in a bad move is Takagi Saya age sixteen sophomore she's also someone close to me. I've known her since I was in the second grade. Of course back then I was adopted by Gen-sama and having a normal life in elementary school while secretly training to be an assassin shinobi wasn't an easy thing. I have to pretend so many times nothing was bothering me good thing I was very good at acting the teachers never suspected a thing. Anyway back to Saya I admitted I have always think of her as a very attractive girl though her attitude was a bit of a problem, she can be worst than Rei. But she was truly a beautiful spit fire and I have to add her body was more well endowed than Rei's. Don't say a word I'm a pervert okay? I'm a teenager for crying out loud I'm in that stage when my hormones go nuts.
Takashi felt like teasing with giving her a cordial smile and a wave. The Takagi just rolled her eyes, but he did noticed the small smile that has spread on her lips before turning her gaze away from him. Komuro kept his smile same old Saya she has always been like that since he first met her however since he was close to her she acted nicer to him that to other classmates. The doors of the classroom opened and more students arrived as Komuro gazed over he stood in deep thought at the teen's arrival. It was none other than Rei and her new boyfriend Hisashi. They were after all with him in the same class group. The Miyamoto's seat was next to him unfortunately for the teen and Igou's was next to him on the right side. It was still hard to looked at her after she basically ripped his heart when she dumped him and it was still hurting him. Yet the only thing he could do is hide his pain through a mask and bear with it for the sake of his friendship with both of them.
"Morning Takashi" said Hisashi.
"Hey, morning" he smiled luckily he became an expert in giving fake smiles during his shinobi training.
"Morning Rei" Komuro turned to his ex-girlfriend.
"Morning Takashi" she replied with a smile.
"Another day, eh?" asked Igou.
"Another day man..."
"I was wondering if you want to come with us to the mall after shcool" said Rei catching the teen off guard.
"You want me to go with you guys? I don't want to bother you know a third wheel?"
"It's not a date Takashi we'll be hanging out as friends" said Hisashi.
"Oh, if that's the case then count me in!"
"Great we'll head there together on my car" smiled his best friend.
Everyone got quiet when the teacher arrived and as Takashi opened his book and took out his pencil he saw Saya staring at him. The Takagi gave him a look that it was one he could mentally read what she was trying to tell him. The pink haired teen shook her head turning her attention to the teacher ready for the class. Taking a quick glance at his ex-girlfriend and best friend Komuro remained in thought clearly he did the right decision to join them for the mall later. Of course he didn't minded spending time with them, they were still his friends. He became someone loyal to his friends especially those who are close to him so there was no need to think about his choice twice. Eventually the teen has mentally sighed not knowing how to feel with spending the time after school with them at the mall. Now he was confused and it was bothering him he remained the rest of the class in deep thought never realizing the Miyamoto was staring at him with though it in her hazel eyes.
Whenever Saya gives me a look that says I might have done a mistake she's usually right. She was right as always because now I was starting to regret going with them to the mall. It's not that I hated them...well maybe I do, I was hiding my anger for Rei but not Hisashi. I only wanted some space from them even if it has been a few weeks since they got together. I wasn't ready to face them and pretend like nothing has happened, because both Rei and Hisashi were sure acting pretty damn good after what they did, after what she did. I hate when Saya's right well she is the genius after all. When pisses me off the most that I still love her and I couldn't deny it, every time she's with him it kills me on the inside.
(Time skip)
(Location: gym area Fujimi Academy)
Sometime around noon Takashi has decided to watch the members of the kendo club practice their moves. However that was all a big cover up because there was only one person he wanted to watch it was right around this time that he will get the chances to see her in action. His eyes traveled to the group swinging their wooden swords and the person on the front leading them. A smile spread his lips as he was captivated watching the captain of the club swinging her own bokken and no doubt she was the strongest of everyone. Her long purple hair was gorgeous and her blue eyes she was the meaning of true ever lasting beauty. Komuro saw that she has taken a glance at him and smiled at him sweetly, he did the same trying not to blush. He was embarrassed hoping she doesn't realize the only reason he was here it's because he wanted to watch her performing her skills. As a secret shinobi assassin he was taught by Gen to use the katana and he was also quite skilled with the weapon too. But he wanted to test his skills against her.
That beautiful kendo captain is Busujima Saeko she's eighteen and a senior due to graduate this year. She's in charge of the kendo club and with her looks she's obviously every boy's wet dream girl my friend Morita wasn't kidding when he said she was among the hottest girls in the Academy. Anyone would kill or sell their soul just to go out with her. I wasn't stupid I knew I didn't stood a chance but a fool like me can still dream. I still didn't understood why everyone called her an" ice queen" she just smiled at me and she probably thinks I'm checking her out, I mean she must know she's truly eye candy to all the boy's in this school. Morita once told me how badly he wanted to see her wearing nothing but an apron and a thong poor guy, he must really be hitting the internet porn and playing with himself more than usual. Though I saw nothing wrong with it, and shut up because I don't do such thing. I'm not a masturbation junky.
"Amazing looks, amazing kendo skills and truly a powerful woman I really admire her. Busujima-sempai, I wonder if she's more skill than any of my clansmen."
"You really like playing with fire don't you?"
Komuro turned to see Saya gazing at him with her serious expression. Of course the teen will pretend he was clueless of her statement just for the fun of it, messing with her was fun. But he knew not to overdo it because he knew how angry she can get, and her temper was one thing to be fear about the Takagi. She was as dangerous and fearful like her father, thinking about Takagi Souichiro really sent a chill to his spine just thinking of his deadly serious expression. It was enough to crap your pants and have a heart attack. He kept a smile as she faced him raising an eyebrow looking so intimidating sometimes it was too fun to have a staring contest with the pink haired teen. Still even if he knew this girl before him he needed to watch his mouth or his tongue can get him in deep trouble. Last time he said something inappropriate the Takagi put him in his place.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Cut the bullshit Takashi. You agreed to go with Miyamoto and Igou to the mall, are you a glutton for punishment?"
"I can't spend time with my friends?"
"Stop acting stupid you know what I mean. You're still sulking from her break up and you want to go with her and her new boyfriend. The only thing you'll be asking for is more pain."
"Okay, maybe I did made a bad decision going with them. But it's too late I agreed already. If I don't show up I'll be looking bad in front of them."
"Always making the wrong decision idiot. Why can't you talk to me before you make one?"
"Look Saya if you came to give me a hard time congratulations it worked. You're always right I should've never agreed there happy?"
"It's because I'm a genius and you're an idiot who got his ass dump by a girl who was never worthy of your attention."
"Now I think you're just crossing the line there. Rei and I know each other since we we're kids our relationship was great, I was happy and..."
"And what?" she glared at him jealousy evident in her yellow eyes.
"I felt like she didn't gave me the chance to let me in her life. She was having problems I can tell but she thought I couldn't understand her..."
"Did she even bother to tell you what was her problem?"
"No, I never found out what was bothering her. No matter how many times I asked her it was always the same answer" Komuro's eyes softened remembering her expression.
"You wouldn't understand..."
"I wouldn't understand..."
"How are you going to understand when she never told you in the first place? I swear Miyamoto doesn't know what she wants. She dumped you because she believe you weren't the one to understand her sheesh she's so confusing. And here you are trying to act like you're the good friend while still clutching to your wound of rejection. My opinion she's not worthy of you Takashi, just let her go and have her life with Igou. Maybe he will do a better job than you did."
"That's it" Komuro has finally had about enough.
"Look Saya I get it okay you're always right you're the genius. But enough is enough stop treating me like shit, it hurts like hell. You can't possibly know how I feel because you have no one, you've never been in a relationship before-" his eyes widened as she saw the expression of the Takagi filled with anger and hurt.
"Saya I...I didn't mean it..."
"No, you're absolutely right I haven't been in a relationship before. Only difference between you and me I would never make the stupid mistake in picking the wrong person to spend my life with" her eyes were on him.
"I'm sorry" he got up from the bleachers and put his hands on her shoulders making sure to keep eye contact with the Takagi.
"You're right I'm an idiot and I'm stupid. I always keep forgetting you're always there for me. You always help me and you always pin point the truth with your harsh words. You act like this because you care for me."
"Who says I care for you?" she turned her gaze away from him her cheeks blushing.
"Oh right, you don't" he laughed at her attitude.
"I have to listen to you because of your view in reality. You have such a fiery temper."
"Stop flirting you idiot" she snapped her cheeks were still red.
"I'm not flirting" he let her go speaking in a innocent tone.
"Whatever" she got seated with Komuro joining her.
"So how long are you going to be staring at Busujima?"
"What?" he blushed panicking.
"You seriously think I wasn't going to notice? That's the reason why you always come at the same place at the same hour to check out the captain of the kendo club" the Takagi tried not to sound jealous.
"I-I'm not checking her out I-" he sttutered and blushing.
"..." Saya's expression told him" liar and bullshit".
"Okay maybe I was checking her out but not in the way you're thinking. I just like watching her showing her kendo skills it's no wonder why she's the best" he smiled at the purple haired girl.
"Staring at her good looks is an added bonus" he mentally grinned.
"I guess he likes girls that can fight. Miyamoto is with the sojutsu club and Busujima with the kendo club" the Takagi stood in thought a pang of jealousy hit her because she didn't had any fighting skills even with her parents wealth she felt like she wasn't good enough to be part of the competition.
"What are you going to do?"
"Huh? Oh I guess I will go with Rei and Hisashi to the mall. I already said yes, I will look bad if I say otherwise."
"That's not what I'm talking about, I mean what are you going to do about Miyamoto?"
"What do you mean?" he turned to her confused.
"Are you going to keep on holding to your torch for her or move on? Personally I prefer that you do, move on maybe you can find someone better than her" her yellow eyes were on him.
"I...I don't know. It's too soon to be thinking about moving on..."
"It's been like a month since she got together with Igou."
"No, it's been like two weeks since-"
'Since she broke up with you. And she's been with him for three weeks."
"I guess time flies when you're heartbroken and depressed" he gave a sigh.
"But still it hasn't been fully a month since she's been with Hisashi."
"Give me a break you still have plenty of time to move on."
"Saya if you ever fall in love you will understand it's not so easy to let go of that special person."
"..." the Takagi gazed at him.
"It wouldn't be easy for me to move on from..." she kept staring at him with sorrow in her caramel eyes.
"Anyway. I wonder what kind of moves Busujima-sempai will show now" Komuro turned only to have his eyes turned into dinner plates.
"Actually the team are now doing their daily routine, I am done for the day."
"Oh shit..."
Both teens saw Saeko staring at the group with a smile. Takashi felt like blushing fearing that she was aware of his constant watching it was an embarassing moment for the teen. These were the times he would like to shrink to the size of an ant or an ostrich to hide his head on the earth. Saya on the other hand wasn't happy that she interrupted them when they were having a conversation not to mention that this was a girl Komuro was interested and that really bothered her a lot. Of course she would never admit she was attracted to the teen and her strong crush on the boy she has known since elementary school. She was too proud and stubborn to give in to her feelings for him but it didn't mean she wasn't going to get jealous whenever a girl will talk to him and just when she thought it was going to be all right now that Rei broke up with him. She kept her frown at the Busujima she was never the polite type to follow the usual manner of greeting with a smile.
"Busujima-sempai...Hey um how long you've been watching?" asked the nervous teen.
"I have always noticed your presence during practice hour" replied the kendo mistress with a smile.
"Really heh heh" he laughed nervously and his face turned bet red from the embarrassment.
"What do you want Busujima?" asked the rude Takagi.
"Be nice Saya" Komuro sweat dropped if she can change her attitude for once.
"Just wanting to say that I'm always please to have an audience watching my team as they display their skills."
"It's not your team he's paying attention" muttered the pink haired teen as Takashi blushed.
"Did you say something Takagi-san?"
"It's nothing..."
"I never mind if you're watching Komuro-kun."
"Thanks it's not like I was stalking you or anything."
Saya face palmed at his comment giving the idea to the kendo captain that he only has had his sights on her and no one else from the kendo team. Komuro blushed at the realization behind his comment and felt like doing the same thing as the Takagi along with hitting his head on the bleacher. Saeko listened to his comment and blushed at his boldness she didn't knew he was this straight forward that he would bothered coming here only to watch her practice and not her team. Yet his comment has certainly pleased her quite much though she has never dated boys she can tell when the opportunity will rise that a perfect ten will walk into her life. She also knew about him that he was dumped by Miyamoto Rei as she has heard from the rumors going on all over the school.
"Thank you Komuro-kun it pleases me to have another fan. I hope you keep your high confidence in my skills."
"Of course there's no one like you in Fujimi you're just too good. I am a fan of swords and kendo, I trained in the way of the sword too."
"Really...? That really is something. I didn't know you're skill in kendo" the Busujima sounded very interested more than surprise.
"Wish I can show you my skills."
"Perhaps if we have the chance to have a sparring match if that's all right with you."
"Not at all, just name the place and the time I'll be there."
"Thank you. Well I must get back and attend my team" she gave a bow as she left.
"See you later" he smiled keeping his eyes on her figure until they were on her ass even with her kendo uniform it was still noticeable.
"That really is something..."
"Way to go Takashi. Telling her lies that you're good using a sword" Saya frowned displaying her jealousy.
"I wasn't lying I know how to use one.'
"Since when?"
"Since a long time ago. I took some private lessons from a close friend of my father" he did lied about the later since it was Gen himself who taught him to use the weapon.
The Takagi frowned she didn't like the fact he didn't told her about this. She knew her father was a master at kendo since he took kendo lessons from a really skilled master who was none other than Saeko's father.
"Listen Saya if you're feeling uncomfortable of me going to the mall with Rei and Hisashi why don't you come with me?"
"Why should I go with you?" she raised an eyebrow at him and also she was dispelling any thoughts of her going on a date with him.
"Because I know you care no matter how mean you speak to me. And wouldn't you like to spend more time with me?" he smiled.
"I'd rather head back to my home and study than following you around!" she blushed at how sweet was his smile.
"I know you're going to say yes, don't try to deny it."
"No I will not!"
"Yes you will."
"Shut up!"
"Well...? We can continue this until the bell rings for the next period" he was grinning.
"Okay fine I'll go but not for the reasons you think."
"I know you would never let me down, thanks Saya."
"Hmph..Idiot" she blushed pretending to be angry at him.
Saya agreed with me to join Rei and Hisashi to the mall after school. Luckily it was a wise move I did back then and I haven't regretted making it. My conscious kept telling me I did the right thing I didn't wanted to get emotional and remind myself of the pain Rei caused me. It will be a whole lot better to have a close friend been there for me in case I failed to control my anger, I was angry with both her and Hisashi.
(Time skip)
(Location: Taiei Shopping Town)
Takashi has come to regret coming to the mall because for the past hour he had to watch Rei and Hisashi hold hands while laughing together. Things a couple usually do it was pure torture for him he didn't know how much he could take. It would have been better to head back to his apartment and either study or meditate anything but to watch the Miyamoto enjoying her time with her new boyfriend. It was starting to get very difficult for him to keep up putting his mask of happiness while hiding his true feelings. Unleashing his anger and frustration on both wasn't a bad idea but he chose not to, because he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Saya was right he wasn't ready for this since he was still trying to get through the break up. The Takagi was walking next to him and she was probably reading his mind that this was a bad idea after all. She was feeling annoyed not wanting to see him such an emotional state and worst, feeling hurt.
"Somebody make it stop. What have I done to deserve this..."
"Still want to have fun?" Saya whispered to him hiding her sarcasm.
"You were right, this is too much. I am so stupid thinking for the sake of our friendship instead of my self. I'm not ready for this."
"Finally notice huh? Well what do you want to do? It's not like we can ditch them without saying a word to them."
"I'm sure they will understand if we tell them anything."
"Hey you guys!?" Rei called to them.
"We're heading to the ice cream parlor!"
"Come on I'll buy" Hisashi smiled.
"Sure..." Komuro sighed walking with them.
"How long will he be able to last? He looks like he's ready to explode any minute, the idiot. He could've prevented all of this from happening but he chose to let it happen instead I swear he..."
The group walked over waiting their turn at the line. The line wasn't that long they were attended around five minutes later. Hisashi ordered the usual vanilla with some sprinkles, Rei ordered strawberry with peanuts, Takashi ordered chocolate with caramel and Saya didn't order not feeling like having ice cream. They got seated in one of the tables joining other people enjoying the cold treat. It was quiet the next couple of minutes taking it to eat the ice cream, though Komuro wasn't in the mood to eat one since he has barely touched he's. He took a couple of licks to prevent it from melting looking in thought realizing his mistake in accepting to come. It was because he still held feelings for the Miyamoto that he couldn't stand seeing her with another boy especially if it was his best friend. By now the couple were almost done with their ice cream.
"Are you planning to finish yours Takashi it's starting to melt?" said Igou.
"Oh right sorry" he started eating it.
"You shouldn't wait that long to eat it. If it melts it will mess your hands" followed Rei giving him a light scold.
"We're not together anymore and she's still scolding me, something's never change."
"So Takagi I've been wondering" smiled the Miyamoto starting a conversation with the pink haired girl.
"Are you planning to have a boyfriend?"
"..."
"..." Takashi paused on his eating noticing her expression.
"Oh boy..."
Now I know Saya so well and I could tell from the look she was giving Rei it meant trouble. Because quite honestly she was pissed I was hoping her question was going to put her in a bad mood and I was right. The only end I can see from this will be pure catastrophe of all topics to come up with Rei has to come up with one she's not very fond of speaking. Saya was no love sick girl who was like the rest of the girls from school out on a search to find a boyfriend or Mr. Right like they call it. She was anything but a love sick girl and asking her a stupid question like when she will hook up with someone was crossing the line with her. I decided to watch over Rei's safety any minute she might get slap or worse, luckily Hisashi was present too so he can interfere if the shit hits the fan.
"How about changing the topic Miyamoto?" the Takagi gave her a warning.
"Oh come on I want to know. I'm sure there must be someone special for you."
"I won't repeat myself change the topic" her tone turned serious.
"Rei I think we should talk about something else" Hisashi could sense this could become bad.
"No I'm really curious I want to know if Takagi likes someone. I think she deserves to have a boyfriend too."
"Please Saya calm down, don't go berserk" it became hard for Komuro to finish his ice cream.
"Fine I'll tell you. No Miyamoto I'm not planning to have a boyfriend not interested. Maybe you'll have better luck asking one of the girls from school they will sure tell you in a heartbeat" she replied annoyed.
"What about someone you like?" the sojutsu member looked really anxious.
"I see no right to tell you. I'm not desperate to find a boyfriend and if I did had one. I sure hell would never leave him for his best friend."
"Huh...?"
Takashi choked on his ice cream after her comment not believing she had the guts to say that. The Miyamoto stood wide eyed shock followed by Hisashi looking the same. It looked like time has stopped around them while they were recovering from the words of the pink haired teen. Soon the first to recovered from the shock was Rei and she was now staring at the girl with a glare feeling that she was insulting her. It angered her further more she was only trying to be nice to her because like Komuro she has known the Takagi since they were kids. She had no right to talk to her that way especially when she didn't understood a thing about her situation or how she feels. Her blood boiling glaring at the pink haired teen and she was doing the same thing, the tension was slowly rising. As the two boys stared they were prepared to separate them if things turn ugly.
Looks like the shit has hit the fan like I expected I knew this was going to happen. Saya has never been the kind of person to stay quiet she will say the truth as it is no matter how nice or mean is.
"What the hell is wrong with you Takagi!?"
"It's exactly as I said. Dumping your boyfriend for his best friend, what the fuck were you thinking Miyamoto?" she glared back.
"Saya enough" Takashi stopped her from saying another world.
"Rei calm down, we're supposed to be having a good time" followed Hisashi with his girlfriend.
"She asked me and I simply answer her question."
"Is this your doing Takashi?" she glared at her ex-boyfriend.
"Did you make Takagi say these things because you want to get even with me for what I did to you?" there was hurt in her hazel eyes not believing he will be capable of doing such thing.
"What? No!" he shouted in disbelief.
"Miyamoto your thinking is equal to a retard you couldn't be any more wrong. Takashi didn't made me say that, I'm saying this on my own accord exactly to how I feel about this. Hell I still can't believe he still loves you even after what you did!"
"Saya!" Komuro stood shocked blushing when he was sure she was going to stay quiet about that.
"What...?" Rei stood in shock.
"Everyone let's all calm down, how about we go somewhere else?" Hisashi failed miserably to try and change the topic.
"Takashi...?" she kept her eyes on the teen.
"Is this true?"
"..."
"It's too late to try and deny it. Might as well tell her now" the Takagi tried to hide her anger and jealousy.
"Thanks to you" he frowned gazing at the pink haired teen who caused this problem he took a breath before speaking.
'Rei I..." he took another breath and she kept on paying attention.
"Yes it's true. I do still love you and I've done so much thinking lately. Ever since you left me I've been giving a lot of thought why you did it."
"Takashi you don't have to say it, this isn't easy for you man let's talk about this later" Igou tried reasoning with the teen to prevent this from turning too emotional.
"No I have to tell her. As your boyfriend I tried opening up to you but I felt like you weren't doing the same, You kept pushing me away like I was some hindrance and it hurt. I wanted to know what was wrong and you always gave me the same answer that I wouldn't understand. Like that time when I asked you why you were hold a year back. I got news for you Rei I can't understand if you don't tell me! I wanted you to tell me so bad because I wanted to help you badly. You're very important to me and it was my responsibility to help you get through anything that will hurt you."
"..."the Miyamoto stood in shock as her eyes were tearing up.
"If I couldn't show you my love for you then I'm really sorry. I tried hard to show it and make you happy but I failed, I admit it. As long as you're happy I guess that's what matters to me the most..."
"Takashi..."tears were now falling from the teen girl.
"You're very important to me and you're happiness means everything to me. If you're happy with Hisashi that's okay with me you found a great person. I know he will love you the right way unlike me. Be happy okay? I wish both of you the best of luck."
"Takashi" Hisashi started.
"It's okay man you're not to blame here only me. Look I have to go thanks for the ice cream, just promise me you will take care of her."
"You know you can trust me with that man."
"Thanks I'll see you later" Komuro kept his gaze away from the Miyamoto who was in tears.
He walked away as Saya stood quiet she knew all along this whole thing of coming here with them was a mistake in the first place. Now she will have to face the teen who was probably heading to a secluded area and cry his eyes out and she will have to play the role of the" best friend" conforming him. Not that it bothered her to do such since she truly cares for Komuro and even more than lets on. Her yellow eyes turned to the sobbing Rei as Igou tried to make her feel better it angered her at what she did to him. There was no reason to dump him because it was her fault for not letting him into her life, he didn't understood her because she never told him. She knew it well she was to blame for the break up not Takashi. The Takagi couldn't stay here any longer or she might never catch up to the teen that has left and it was probably feeling like shit right about now.
"Take a long look" she pointed to Komuro's parting direction getting the Miyamoto's attention.
"That's what you left behind. Someone who would do anything to make you happy no matter if you will treat him like shit in the end" she left without saying another word.
"Rei I'm sorry" Hisashi embraced her.
"I want to go home" she whispered Takashi's words were still in her mind she was still sobbing.
"Okay I'm sure Takashi will head back with Takagi" he took his girlfriend leaving the ice cream parlor and the people who watched the entire scene.
I know what you're thinking it's pathetic isn't it? I was so pissed about the break up and with myself. Gen-sama taught me the basics of a shinobi to never show any emotions regardless of the situation and here I was crying. I failed to keep my emotions in check, the human heart is a great strength but it can also be considered a great weakness. I hated myself when I should have known better to follow my heart. Then again I was starting to think that Rei may have done the right thing in leaving me considering what I was and what I do. She would never be happy with someone like me no one will find happiness with me, at least I know she was in good hands. Hisashi was going to take care of her and here I was sulking like a love sick fool. I'm a shinobi a heartless killing tool crying because my girlfriend left me, I shouldn't feel that way damn it because I came to terms with it long ago. There is NO love for me it doesn't exist to a person like me. A shinobi cannot love or find it.
Saya found Komuro inside of a photo booth obviously the teen was feeling like shit right now. It was annoying that she will have to conform for something that it was his fault for agreeing to come here when it was clear he shouldn't have come in the first place. Anyone was able to tell he wasn't ready to face his ex-girlfriend and best friend yet when he was clearly trying to get over the pain of the break up. What angers her the most is she hated to see him like this, so hurt and filled with sorrow. Sure she believed he was stupid but he didn't deserve any of this on the contrary, he deserves to be with a girl who loves him very much and makes him happy. The pink haired teen stood in deep thought having an internal battle with her conscious whether she can be that" special someone". And even if those were her honest thoughts she thought of herself as not the right one for him.
"You know this is your fault right?" she went inside the booth staring at the teen.
"Go ahead say it. I'm the most pathetic person in this world."
"Not really. Stupid yes pathetic no. The break up was never your fault to begin with and here you are blaming yourself for it. It annoys me to no end that you're trying to take the blame for Miyamoto. Open your eyes it was her fault not yours, stop defending her when she doesn't deserves it."
"I wasn't really thinking about that" he gave a sight.
"Then what could you be thinking then?" she got curious getting seated next to him.
"About myself..."
"Is it how pathetic you can be whenever you're sulking?"
"I thought you said I wasn't pathetic" he sweat dropped.
"Right now you are been one. What could you be thinking about yourself?"
"That maybe it will be better if I ever don't fall in love with someone again."
"Now you're been worse than pathetic, pitiful" she frowned at his comment.
"I really need space and a break from all this relationship stuff. I don't want to have a girlfriend for a while."
"So you're quitting searching for someone just for experiencing a break up, truly pathetic. Takashi you're not the only one who has been through painful hardships because of unsteady relationships. If you feel that way from just one break up how can you imagine those that have experienced the feeling of rejection more than once?"
"Funny to hear you say that when you've never been in a relationship before" he smirked.
His comment earned him a light smack to the back of his head by the frowning Takagi.
"If I ever had a boyfriend I will make sure to dump him first before he gets the chance to, or even thinks of doing in it."
"This boyfriend you speak of must really have a death wish if he wants to get together with you" he was still smirking.
The pink haired girl smacked him in the same area her frown was still there.
"Keep been a smart ass Komuro and next time I might shove my foot up your ass."
"Sorry Saya didn't mean to make you angry" he knew he went overboard with her, whenever she uses his last name is because she's really angry with him.
"Are you going to continue sulking?" she ignored his last comment as her face changed to an expression that showed concern.
"I'll live I just need that space from Rei and Hisashi. I will have to move on sooner or later, but that sounds impossible."
"Take a break from all this shit honestly. Thinking about Miyamoto or Igou isn't going to help."
Takashi was about to speak but the Takagi cut him off from opening his mouth.
"And don't give me that bullshit that you can't find love. Sheesh the last thing I need is for you to start acting like an emo anti-social jerk who thinks he's better off following his own rules like some sort of rebel."
"I wasn't going to say any of that. But if you say so Saya, fine I won't become that" he smiled.
"You better not!"
"Thanks Saya."
"..."the pink haired teen crossed her arms as her cheeks turned red.
"Sure whatever" she mumble trying to erase her embarrassment.
"What?!" she got annoyed that the teen was still smiling at her.
"Nothing, I'm just happy to have a friend like you. You may act mean to me sometimes but I know you're only acting like that because deep down you really care."
"Tch no I don't!" she retorted hiding her blush.
"Really so you don't care after all?" he smirked.
"No" she puffed her cheeks and for some reason her heart started beating faster.
"I hate when this happens!"
"Okay fine if you don't care why did you bothered accompany me here?" Takashi's smirk grew wider.
"So you don't want me here?" she glared at him feeling hurt.
"If you don't care then be my guess."
"Fine I'll go!"
"Fine."
"Fine!"
"..."
"She's so predictable."
"Um...Saya aren't you leaving?"
"..."
"Saya?" he turned to the teen now looking worried due to her silence.
"Do you really want me to go?" her yellow eyes showed the hurt.
"Of course I don't, if I disrespect you in any way I'm sorry."
She replied to him smacking the back of his head for the third time. The Takagi was frowning while on the inside she was very happy.
"That's what you get idiot!"
"Well now that's out of the way" he smiled taking some yen from his uniform pocket from his pants.
"How about if we take a couple of pictures?"
"What, why?"
"They're called memories since we're friends. Why would you feel trouble to take pictures with me?"
"Because...Because" she was looking for a good excuse while blushing this will probably be the first time she will take a picture together with him.
"Oh I get it. You don't want to take a picture because you don't know how to smile. Always been so serious and angry" it was so fun to tease her.
"Shut up it's not that you idiot!" her whole face turned bet red.
"I'll help you smile" he inserted the necessary amount of yen in the photo machine.
"No wait! I didn't agree to this!"
"Smile" he put his arm around her shoulder.
As the sounds of the camera shuttered and the light from the flash kept blinking both teens have actually had a fun time. Though Komuro has failed to put a smile on Saya in all pictures she was frowning, glaring or opening her mouth to whine about something, while he was happily smiling. Maybe it was hard for someone like to smile he always believe it was the reason she was raised. He knew about her parents and they were sophisticated and quite wealthy her behavior could be the result that she didn't got enough attention from both her mother and father. He knew Yuriko was very caring and a loving mother but that was all he could said because it was a complete different story with her father Souichiro. The man was cold and serious he knew he thinks little of his own daughter even if he was a leader of man with political influences. After the pictures we're taken they left photo booth as Komuro gave her a couple of pictures to keep as the pink haired girl called her mother to come pick them up.
I really felt sorry for Saya sometimes that's why I would try hard to make her happy. Been raised by a wealthy family must make anyone feel lonely, annoyed or maybe both. I have think of her as a smart and an attractive girl, out of respect she has some pretty nice boobs and a sexy petite body for her age. If it wasn't because I was still trying to move on from Rei's break up I wouldn't hesitate to ask her out, then again Busujima-sempai was also on my list but I felt like my chances with her were pretty slim compared to Saya. I guess my day at the mall wasn't such a bad experience after all. I left from the ice cream parlor an emotional wreck of shit until Saya cheered me up and spent a fun day together. Everything went well in the end until I returned to my place a few hours later.
(Time skip)
(Location: Takashi's apartment urban district Onbetsu)
After taking a shower Komuro stood on his bed meditating wearing his boxers. He will always do this exercise before studying and going to be. The sun was slowly lowering itself as it was almost going to be dark the teen was so lost in his focus to calm his mind. His concentration to relax and erased all thoughts that will disturbed him namely anything related with his personal life including the break up with Rei, his friendship with Saya, other friends he knew from school and his new developed friendship with Saeko. It didn't took that to find peace of mind in the exercise state calming his entire body and his muscles. With a relax mind comes a more relax state to fight more efficient in combat as Gen has taught him. Unfortunately his mediation was cut short as his ears heard a loud gawking that will belong to a bird. The teen opened his eyes looking annoyed, he got up walking over to his window.
His chocolate eyes were fixed on the bird that has landed on the edge of the window. It was a falcon with brown and grey feathers with white on his chest all the way down. Its peak was orange yellow with black at the end. His eyes were only focused on it's left talon there was a small metal tube attached to it. He removed a small piece of paper from the tube and quickly unfold it reading the contents written in it. Takashi gave a deadly serious expression once he was finished reading the message he chose to keep it while the falcon has flown away. Komuro got dressed but he was wearing unique clothing, he opened his closet picking a large box from the top shelf. Opening it there was an expensive looking katana with different pack of shurikens and kunais. When he was done getting dressed he packed the weapon and the gear and soon he vanished from his room leaving into the dark of the night.
It was that time again for another mission. My mind was only focused on my target another evil bastard that needs to be brought to justice. The justice of the White Dragons of Heaven. Right the only thing that matters to me was to fulfill my mission and nothing else, no one will get in my way. If someone interferes with my mission I will show no mercy.
(Time skip)
(Location: warehouse district Tokonosu harbor)
Inside one of the large warehouses stood thousands of wooden crates and a group of workers using forklifts to get the crates outside. The whole operation was been observed by many men wearing business suits and they were all heavily armed. Each had a Colt AR-15 Sporter SP1 Carbine semi-automatic rifle. They were all keeping a close eye that everything was running smoothly without any problems or delay. Outside of the warehouse a white limousine arrived one of the men in suit went to opened the back door of the vehicle as a man came out. He was tall probably reaching 6'7, he wide looking in an easy 290 pounds with a black hat, with a small mustache a cigar on his mouth and he was wearing a black pin stripe suit with a red rose on his coat front pocket. The tall large man looked very intimidating he could scare anyone with just a glance.
The man removed the cigar inhaling and exhaling the smoke before he glared at one of the workers using a forklift who has accidentally dropped one of the crates the machine was carrying.
"Watch it asshole! That merchandise is delicate!"
"I'm sorry sir it was just an accident. I-I promise it will not happen again" the worker was shaking in fear.
The large man kept his glare walking over to the worker until he was next to the forklift. He removed his cigar again as the young worker looked like he was ready to crap his pants.
"No it won't."
He took a hand gun from his interior coat pocket and shot the worker on the head killing the man instantly. The other workers using forklifts watched the entire thing and turned pale not wanting the same thing to happen to them.
"That goes to the rest of you! If any of you drop one crate of my precious merchandise you will share you friend's fate. That will be your first and only warning!"
"Yes sir Usui-sama!"
"Make no mistake I want this opium ship out of the country before midnight!" he turned to his men.
"Yes Usui-sama sir!"
"There must not be any delays. It must reach China shores before tomorrow."
"Sir I just got a call from one of the couriers. He said the" special merchandise" will be ready in three days" said one of his men holding the AR-15 rifle.
"Good everything is going smoothly. I just love when everything runs as planned. Once we're done here, we're hitting the nest to celebrate. Drinks will be on me boys" he grinned.
"Yes sir!" shouted the happy squad.
"I love this life more than anything. More merchandise out of the country, more money in my pockets" the boss man kept his grin removing the cigar.
"And the best of all those fools of the police don't have a clue. They're all going crazy on a wild goose chase. Before they realized my location I will be one step ahead of them hah hah!" he inhaled more of the smoke turning to his men.
"No one can stop me. I am the true king of the drug ring!"
Everyone gasped as the entire warehouse became dark realizing something was wrong with the lights. The forklifts workers have completely stopped their operation since they couldn't see a thing and it will lead for them to hit something and drop the cargo.
"What the fuck is going on!?"
"Is this a black out?" asked one of the men.
"How the fuck should I know!? Someone go check the fuse box!" shouted the drug lord.
"Yes sir!"
It was difficult to travel in the pitch blackness that has been caused mysteriously by the lights going out so suddenly. More than one member of his gang were passing through trying to see in the darkness. One of them got ahead reaching the end where he believed he saw the fuse box that controls the electricity of the warehouse. The man was shocked seeing short sparks coming out of the large box of electricity, his eyes widened finding out this didn't happened by accident. There were a couple of familiar weapons that have destroyed the electric box causing the blackout in the area.
"Shurikens...?"
"Sir we have-"
The man was cut off as a shuriken hit his forehead killing him. Shortly his body was snatched away.
"What was that!?" the drug lord stood panicked.
"I don't know sir."
"What are you waiting for go check it out!?"
"Sir!" he signaled for more men to join him.
"Where the fuck is my lighter?" the drug lord muttered searching through his pockets.
The group of heavily armed thugs were really caught between a rock and a hard place. First they were completely in the dark they couldn't see a thing, second they didn't seem to have a flashlight or anything that might help them light the area and third they were all open for any kind of surprise attack. They clicked their rifles ready to fire on anything suspicious that moves, unaware someone was present there near their location. A deadly shadow waiting patiently to make its move he already knew the numbers of hostile he was dealing with. They never as the thug from the back was taken out by another shuriken. Two were also killed by the same weapon and their bodies were snatched away by the mysterious shadow. Before they realized their numbers have been decreased dramatically, only two of them were left. The last two thugs fired their rifles but they were killed by a different weapon allowing their screams to be heard.
"Oh shit..." The drug lord stood in fear and shock.
He remained in his place since his men left his side to check the source of the black out and no one has return back to him. Only to heard agonizing screams that belong to people he has tortured to threat others or people who were trying to snitch information about him to the police. The tall large man has taken his gun and finally he has found his lighter, nervously he lit up finally some light to the darkened warehouse. The first thing his eyes saw was a trail of blood on the ground it was leading further ahead, he thought the worst has happened to his men. He got his answer when he reached to the end of the place as his eyes widened from the shock. Every single member of his group were all dead and they were hanging from the ceiling. The drug lord glared at the one responsible for this whoever he was, he was going to pay dearly. Nobody had the guts to pull a stunt like this one of the drug kings of Japan.
"All right whoever the fuck are you come on out now!" he clicked his gun waiting for a response.
"You're in deep shit here pal. I'm going to torture you slowly before I kill you. You got that you son of a bitch!"
"Are you with the police? An undercover agent is the only possibility to have caused all of this. If you are a traitor I will give you a far worst fate than all of my victims combine."
"Where the fuck are you!?" he showed his lighter at every direction looking around for any sign of the attacker.
"Come on out! You're nothing but a coward hiding in the dark, show yourself!"
His eyes widened hearing the soft sound of a blade been drawn. The drug lord turned around firing his gun but it only hit the air it happened so fast, as he saw a very sharp katana stabbed his neck. So much blood hit the ground and he fell to the ground dead, seconds later. The shadow responsible for the death of so many was shown as he was holding the lighter of the large man. An individual clan in black shinobi attire he cleaned his katana before sheathing it back, his eyes filled with hatred for the body, his mission has a success. He didn't saw the harbor workers anywhere which meant they have safely escaped while he was killing the thugs, no doubt they have called the police it won't be long before they get here. The shinobi took a piece of paper and stick it on the man's forehead he got up still giving him the same hateful glare from behind his mask.
"Name Kanae Usui alias" Tengu" age forty two, one of the most powerful drug lords from the famous Japanese Ring. He's responsible for sending hundreds of shipments of opium and cocaine through all over Asia and Europe. Aside from drug trafficking he's wanted for kidnaping, torture and murder nothing but a parasite" the shinobi turned off the lighter and vanished within the shadows.
(Time skip)
Two hours later the police finally arrived at the scene as expected one of the workers called them. Dozens of officers entered the warehouse with flashlights and they first checked the wooden crates, opening them they weren't surprised to see the stacks of opium inside. They immediately confiscated the large merchandise as a man walked over the area. Miyamoto Tadashi stood in disgust watching the officers take every single crate of opium from out of the warehouse. The detective walked ahead reaching the and his eyes widened when he spotted the bodies on the ceiling. He recognized them as some of the most dangerous men from Usui's gang. The detective Miyamoto stood in pure shock not believing that these men were all killed he turned to two officers arriving.
"Get those bodies down now!"
"Tadashi-san!" called another officer.
"What is it?"
"You're not going to believe this sir."
The detective looked confused but he followed officer to wherever he was taking him. Once he stopped the detective looked more shocked than when he saw all those bodies hanging on the ceiling. He was staring at the dead body of one of Japan's most dangerous and notorious drug lords. The same man they have been hunting down for so many years, he gazed back at the officer then back at the body and felt like everything was spinning. He will never forget how much he worked to capture this bastard, how hard he went through the many evidence and information just to get close to him and never been able to gaze at him face to face. Tonight he found out that all of that hard work and precious time he dedicated himself to capture this man has all been for nothing, everything was in vain.
"Do you have any idea how long I've been wanting to catch this son of a bitch?"
"Ten years sir?"
"Twelve. And just like that I look at his face for the first time when he's dead."
"He was murdered like all of his men" stated the officer.
"And I know who did it" Tadashi knelt by the body of the drug lord and removed the piece of paper on his forehead.
"Judgment of Heaven has been made" he read the piece of paper.
"Same paper and words that has been in other criminal's foreheads for the past year."
"Start searching this place for clues. I want this warehouse swept clean."
"Yes sir!"
(Scene change)
The shinobi stood in the far distance of top of a building gazing at the policies as they were still in the warehouse. He has removed his mask revealing Takashi who remained in thought this has been another mission that was easy. The men he killed may have been killers and cold but they weren't any warriors with battle experience whatsoever. Once he destroyed the fuse box of the warehouse leaving them in the dark he won over them. But at least something good came from all of this one less scumbag to worry about not to mention he will received a nice pay from Gen when he hears of his success. He has been doing this for a while and so far he had a problem keeping up with this life and his normal life as a teenager. Rei's break up was still affecting him and even if he wasn't bothered in this mission by it he didn't know when it will. He put his mask on and left like he got swallowed by the night.
There you have it. Outside a regular high school student, on the inside a tool to kill. By day I was Komuro Takashi sophomore of Fujimi Academy and by night I was a shinobi from the White Dragons of Heaven. I'm still wondering how did I get myself into this? I didn't know the answer yet. But to think my life was about to get interesting, you're asking why? Maybe I will tell you next time. The beginning of the end was still yet to come, you'll soon see what I mean.
To be continued
Yay finally done with the first chapter of this AU story which I will remind again the main pairing will be Takashi/Rei/Saeko/Saya also some OC's. I will get to the zombie outbreak in the third chapter and also I will change a few things from the anime/manga with the events and such. I will be happy if you favorite and follow the story, and of course can't forget to review.
On a side note I was about to update my Angel/HOTD story Apocalypse of the Dead but something unfortunate happened. I had 7500 words of the second chapter when my Microsoft Word program show me an error message with" licencing issues" so I uninstall and re-install the program and it didn't work, I repaired it from the control panel menu and still nothing. I had no choice but to download Word Perfect and since I can't copy and paste what I have written so far of the second chapter I am very pissed and I won't write the chapter all over again I don't know when I will update that story. Anyway remember to review and I will see you all again next time farewell!
Next time: Prelude to Dead